Eastern Colorado Repeater Association’s Repeater Systems - and “Why?”

As of January 2025, the Eastern Colorado Repeater Association (ECRA) proudly operates a Amateur Radio, VHF/UHF repeater system in Eastern El Paso County, Colorado. Designated as “System 1,” this site is on track to be fully operational by late summer 2025, marking a key milestone in ECRA’s regional expansion. System 1 is the first of three planned VHF/UHF systems, featuring capabilities such as Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS), AllStar, EchoLink, and Digital Mobile Radio (DMR). ECRA is also preparing to add 10-meter and 220 MHz repeaters, along with experimental technologies not currently found anywhere in Colorado—including along the Front Range.

In parallel, development of System 2 is underway and planned for deployment (approx. summer 2026) in Yuma, Colorado. System 3 will follow in the Southeastern corner of Colorado. These three sites will form the backbone of the “ECRA Network”—a unified triad of primary systems designed to integrate with existing independent repeaters and club-operated infrastructure throughout eastern Colorado.

ECRA’s growing repeater network is also built to support local communities and municipalities by offering a backup communication layer for public service and emergency operations. Our mission extends beyond just radio coverage—we aim to contribute to the long-term resilience and growth of the communities we serve.

The goal of the ECRA Network is to establish a scalable, interoperable communication backbone that expands Amateur Radio coverage, enhances emergency response, and fosters collaboration across the region.

ECRA remains committed to building inclusive, innovative, and community-driven Amateur Radio systems throughout Eastern Colorado.

ECRA’s current VHF/UHF system, “System1” is nearing completion with several important milestones already achieved! This system is permanently installed at its location, on a 65’ tower in Eastern El Paso County and this summer (2025) we are working to have ‘System 1’ completed!

‘System 1’ is currently open to the ECRA membership (See ‘Become an ECRA Member section) for use and will be “open” for general public use after its final installation and final testing.

‘System 1’ has implemented our first Allstar node, Node #64160. Feel free to connect and say “Hi”! This node though will eventually be integrated into the IP-backhaul component of the ECRA Network. All of ECRAs three systems, and those of collaborating existing systems, will be interconnected through Allstar hence, “You can talk from Eastern Colorado, all the way to the West!”

“System 2” is already in the planning stages, to be located near Yuma, Colorado (Approx. Summer of 2026) and “System 3” will follow, in the South Eastern corner of the state. We are also in talks with both existing repeater systems and eastern Colorado clubs, in advancing their own systems to integrate and link with ECRAs.

Additionally, we will certainly be updating our social media, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571071976269 and our website here with more information, pictures and video once we are well underway. Stay tuned!